Saab and Airbus are negotiating a potential collaboration to develop uncrewed combat aircraft that would complement manned fighter jets — an approach similar to the U.S. Air Force’s CCA (Collaborative Combat Aircraft) program.
Executives from both companies disclosed the talks in separate interviews with Reuters. Industry sources added that successful progress on a “loyal wingman” drone could open doors to expanded joint efforts on European air-defense capabilities.
The initiative may also help address strategic gaps should the troubled Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program — a long-term project by Airbus, Dassault, and Indra to ensure European technological independence — face cancellation.
In 2024, Airbus announced development of MUM-T (manned–unmanned teaming) capabilities for the Eurofighter Typhoon and showed its “Wingman” drone concept, built to fly alongside crewed aircraft and execute diverse operational roles.
The following year, Airbus partnered with U.S. firm Kratos to propose the XQ-58A Valkyrie for Germany, aiming for fielding by 2029 and intended as a platform for MUM-T training.
Across Europe, similar cooperative ventures are emerging, including efforts by Anduril with Rheinmetall and by General Dynamics with General Atomics Aerotec Systems, all seeking to deliver CCA-type systems to European militaries.
